Page 28 of Crystal Luna
She kept her eyes down and shoved her hands in her pockets, unable to stop her next words. “More like broken.”
His fingers slipped under her chin and gently lifted her gaze to his. “One thing I’ve learned is that it’s alright to fall apart. You’re allowed to not be okay. Our pack is a safe place to learn that. It took me a long time to accept that I don’t need to be strong every second of the day. I will make sure you receive the same support.”
The combination of his words and his touch made her head spin. She wasn’t sure if it was intentional or not, but his thumb softly brushed her jawline, soothing any doubt that threatened to rise. It was subtle, but after being alone and dismissed for so long this felt like her heart would explode. She hadn’t even realised she’d been so touch starved until he’d pressed her against his chest only the day before. His words were just an icing on top.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning unless you need me sooner. You can find me in my office, okay?”
She nodded, unable to find even a single word to respond to him.
He studied her for just a moment before dropping his hand and walking off towards his house.
Her heart leapt into her throat. Needing to catch her breath she stood frozen in place by the edge of the forest, watching as the village slowly came to life. Children ran to their little school on the east side of town while men left for work. Even though people noted her presence, no one seemed to bat an eye. No one looked at her like she was lesser than them. They were happy, cheerful, some even curious as they greeted her with a smile.
Movement caught her eye, and her eyes found Evelyne. She stood on her porch with a swaddled bundle in her arms, speaking to another woman. Their eyes met and Evelyne waved her over with a bright smile on her face.
As she watched the village rise for the day, her heart slowed. But with the thought of socialising with Evelyne it picked up pace once more. They hadn’t spoken since the last meal they’d shared. She hadn’t felt comfortable seeing or being close to her after she’d given birth—she didn’t want to impose.
“I was just thinking about you when I saw you standing over there like a lost puppy,” Evelyne greeted with a cheery voice. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”
Deep down, Velora wanted to decline. But she was far too polite to let that happen. After all, Evelyne had been nothing but kind to her. Velora nodded in spite of herself and followed Evelyne inside.
“I just fed Rayline so hopefully she’ll let us have some peace and quiet. Did you have breakfast yet?”
“Earlier.”
“Ah, Wayne mentioned you were an early bird.” Evelyne laid Rayline into her bassinet and started on the coffee. “We’re starting to plan our Moonnight. Will you stay to be part of the celebration?”
Velora hadn’t even realised that the Goddess’s night was so close. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d celebrated it. It had simply become nothing but another night for her. The thought of spending it with a crowd of people scared her to death.
“I don’t know,” she said, unable to clearly decline.
“Oh, it’ll be so much fun! Though I think it’s going to be so much more stressful this year with Rayline.” She handed Velora a cup and indicated the cream pitcher on the table. “Do you want sugar?”
Velora declined and reached for the cream.
“I wanted to ask you how you’ve settled in.”
“I’m good.”
“We’ll go to the store tomorrow and a few of us wanted to go to the mall too. Would you like to come? I’m sure you’re getting low on food.”
Velora had been very frugal with her food, trying not to waste any of it. She’d cooked everything at once and frozen the meals so she could preserve everything. It hadn’t been hard—living in the middle of nowhere for her whole life had taught her how to make food last.
“I could use a food run,” she admitted.
Evelyne gently laid her hand on Velora’s elbow and guided her to the couch where Rayline peacefully slept in her bassinet. “You don’t need to be shy. Alpha Heath said any of your needs will be taken care of without question. The pack will provide anything you need.”
“It’s a hard custom to adjust to.”
“I know. I always struggle accepting help. I thought it would be easier with a baby, but I still hesitate to let people take charge.”
The conversation lulled as Velora sipped at her coffee. Now that she was sitting down, Evelyne did look tired, her eyes dull on Rayline.
Eventually, Evelyne nodded off and Velora didn’t dare wake her from her much-needed nap. As if Rayline could sense her mother getting some rest, she started wiggling and opening her eyes. Velora stood without a second thought and swept the little girl into her arms, holding her close as she stepped onto the porch.
Rayline seemed happy to simply be held, so Velora paced the length of the porch, soothing the sweet girl to keep her quiet and comfortable.
After a while, she saw Wayne approach and she was struck with a jolt of panic upon the realisation that she hadn’t asked for permission to hold the baby. She’d only meant well, but now she questioned everything.